6.1.2 Developing a tool to address symptom delay in lung cancer

Joanne Rose, Clinical Nurse Specialist IV therapy and care/Research Assistant - Cancer Services, Vascular Access Team, Rotherham General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Rotherham, United Kingdom Co author: Angela Tod

Abstract:

Background:

Lung cancer accounts for 22% of all UK cancer deaths (Peak, 2006). Lung cancer is often at an incurable stage at diagnosis; five year survival is 7%. High mortality rates may be due in part to delay in reporting symptoms. Previous research has identified factors patients think contribute to delay (Tod & Craven, 2006; Corner et al, 2006). This has not been explored amongst the general public and health professionals. Awareness of issues contributing to delays in symptom reporting will help nurses educate patients at risk of lung cancer and detect those in need of referral.

Aims:

To further explore factors contributing to lung cancer symptom reporting delay.
To develop a tool to promote early symptom reporting.

Methods:

A mixed method study using expert panel (16 participants) and focus groups (6 groups, 39 participants). Expert panel members were health professionals, lay representatives and lung cancer service users who were consulted intermittently throughout the project. The focus groups included nurses (2) pharmacists (1) and the general public (3).

Results:

The study reveals an ignorance of lung cancer symptoms amongst all groups. Complex interrelating issues were identified potentially influencing delay. These include a tendency to minimize, dismiss and explain symptoms, self-management, symptoms being masked by pre-existing conditions, fear, and attitudes of and barriers to primary care services. The presentation will present a summary of these results and examples of the issues raised.

Discussion:

The study participants reflected views from patients in previous studies regarding some aspects of delay but fear was emphasised more strongly. The study findings were used to develop a public awareness tool in consultation with members of the focus groups and expert panel. A description of how this was achieved will be provided.

Conclusion:

Public / professional awareness of lung cancer symptoms is lacking. This early reporting tool could contribute to addressing the educational needs.

Biography:

Biography, Angela I qualified as a nurse in 1985. After several years working in CCU and cardiac rehabilitation I gradually moved into research. I have worked in a variety of settings including primary and secondary care. My research expertise lies in qualitative methods in stand alone or mixed method studies. Research interests lie broadly in the area of patient experience of illness and health services. I completed my PhD in 2006. This was a grounded theory study on the meaning of heart attack recovery. Biography, Joanne I qualified as a nurse in 1985 and predominantly worked in general medicine, until 2006, when I took on the role of IV nurse specialist. I am responsible for the assessment of IV therapy and care needs of patients and the education/training of staff and patients. In 2006, I was lucky enough to be employed on a one-year part time secondment for the project to explore delay in lung cancer symptom reporting. This secondment is my first exposure to research activity, and it is hope will enable me to take back what I have learnt, to my clinical specialty.